Back in 2013, that was my reality.
It felt like I was an alien on a different planet.
Let’s travel back in time when I was studying at the hotel management school In Lucerne. For me, becoming a General Manager of a 5-star hotel was the ultimate goal, driving my every move.
To make it happen, I knew I had to globe-trot, soak up the international experience, pick up languages, and expand my worldview. And that’s exactly what I did.
But life, as it often does, threw me a curveball. After the sudden passing of my father, I found myself back in Switzerland, ready to re-enter the Swiss hospitality scene.
And then, boom! It caught me off guard, like a sudden thunderstorm.
Little did I know, a series of rejections awaited me, each one hitting harder than the last.
Ever felt like your plan crumbles like a house of cards?
Yep, that was me.
The reasons?
➡️ Too many years abroad, out of the market for too many years
➡️ Critical age, (childbearing age)
➡️ Resume gap?
➡️ Overqualified
Are you kidding me?
But every “no” was a wake-up call, challenging me to prove that I was more than just a collection of qualifications on paper.
It was a strong signal to change course. And boy, did I pivot!
Fast forward to today, and I’m steering my own ship, recruiting top-notch talent for the global hospitality scene.
So why share this story?
Because as a recruiter, it’s my job to shout it from the mountaintop: It’s not about fitting into a mold; it’s about the value someone brings.
In a world of SAMENESS, it’s the ones who dare to be DIFFERENT that catch the eye.
So, to all the dreamers and go-getters out there facing their own uphill battles, remember this: Embrace the unexpected, embrace the rejections, and never lose sight of the unique value you bring to the table.
Your journey may be painful, but it’s those challenges that shape you into the resilient force you’re meant to be.
And who knows?
You might just forge your own path to success.